Pinelands North Primary School in Cape Town has been nominated as a top 3 finalist in the World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity.
T4 Education, in collaboration with Templeton World Charity Foundation, Accenture and American Express, made the global announcement this morning.
Pinelands North Primary School celebrated with a special assembly where they “Jigged for Joy”.
Premier Alan Winde congratulated the school on their nomination, saying: “I am elated that two of our schools made the shortlist, and even more thrilled that Pinelands North Primary School made it to the top 3. We at the Western Government are very proud of all our schools, learners and teachers, the professionalism and ‘gees’ of which is demonstrated by this shining example. Pinelands North is blazing a trail in delivering quality, inclusivity and that feeling of hope we all aspire to, and I am very proud that we can call them a part of ‘Team Western Cape’.”
Provincial MEC of Education, David Maynier, said: “We are so proud of Pinelands North Primary School for making it into the Top 3 best schools in the world, in the category of “Overcoming Adversity”. The school’s inclusive environment, and recognition of their learners’ unique needs and potential, caught the attention of the T4 Education judges. They have competed against schools in countries around the world, and have made it to the very last stage!”
“We also congratulate West End Primary School for making the Top 10 in the same category. While they are not in the Top 3, we recognise them as a school that is truly showing what it means to reach out to their community. We can all learn from the example West End is setting,” he said.
The dynamic Principal leading Pinelands North Primary School, Ann Morton, said on the announcement: “Pinelands North is so excited to be selected as one of the top 3 schools in the Overcoming Adversity section of the World’s Best School Competition! With all the adversity South Africa is overcoming currently, this is such “good news for South African education!”
“This whole community of parents, children and staff has worked for years to create this positive learning environment. We all have special needs at different times in our lives so let’s celebrate who we really are and how we can change the world, one person at a time!,” she said.
TIME TO VOTE
The Top 3 finalists will now be entered into a Public Advisory Vote. Members of the public have until October 2 to tell judges who they think should win each prize at worldsbestschool.org/
The winners will be announced on October 19, 2022 at World Education Week. A prize of US$250 000 will be shared equally among the winners of the five Prizes, with each receiving an award of US$50 000.
“We need the whole of South Africa to get behind our school – please encourage your family, friends, and colleagues across the country to do the same. Let us all support Pinelands North and place our country on the international stage where it belongs!”, said MEC Maynier.
Visit www.worldsbestschool.org to vote for Pinelands North Primary School before the 2nd of October – or visit the direct link to support Pinelands North PS:
